NAN-S-3
Retirement
Ilorin, Jan. 7, 2017 (NAN) Dr. Steve Olarinoye’s contributions to the growth of Nigerian sports as a whole while at the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports were worthwhile and commendable, several sports stakeholders have said.
They made the submission at the Kwara State Stadium Complex in Ilorin during activities organised by stakeholders in the Kwara sports sector to mark Olarinoye’s exit from service.
Dr. Ojo-Oba, a former General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said Olarinoye’s efforts in developing football and other sports in Nigeria were very impressive.
“He has served the nation meritoriously and his active service delivery was much manifested in the achievement Nigeria recorded at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, U.S. where we won the football gold medal.
“This feat and many others Nigeria recorded when he was in charge of national teams, such as the Super Eagles and the Dream Team (the Olympic and under-23 team), made him to stand out.
“He also served as the Secretary in the National Football League Department of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA).
“He helped in putting in place the Professional Football League Department, which later became the Nigeria Premier League (NPL) from Nigeria Football League (NFL), and his efforts then have resulted in what we are seeing today in Nigerian football.
“Not only in football did he excel. He also performed outstandingly in many other national sports federations, such as weightlifting, and he was for many years Zonal Coordinator where he helped in grassroots sports development,’’ he said.
Ojo-Oba who retired from the Ministry as Director of Sports Development said he was happy that Olarinoye retired from service without any blemish.
He expressed the hope that Olarinoye’s retirement would serve as a rich platform for many Kwara indigenes, and a fountain for many Nigerians to tap from his rich wealth of experience.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Director of Sports in Kwara, Tunde Kazeem, congratulated Olarinoye for the various feats he achieved when he was in active service of his fatherland.
“Stakeholders in Kwara State’s sports sector will indeed benefit from his experience,’’ he said.
Alloy Chukwuemeka, the Executive Secretary of the Premier League Club Owners Association and Director of Football at ABS FC of Ilorin, described Olarinoye as a dedicated and hardworking sports administrator.
While presenting a souvenir on behalf of his club to him, Chukwuemeka charged Olarinoye to endeavour to give back to the sports sector from his wealth of experience.
“This will be by impacting on upcoming administrators through capacity building,’’ he said.
Speaking also, Kwara State Football Association Chairman, Busari Ishola, described Olarinoye as a good ambassador of Kwara.
While responding, Olarinoye commended the organisers of the events and the various national sports stakeholders in attendance for honouring him, saying he was overwhelmed by all the activities and comments.
“My retirement will not be the end of it all, but will afford me the opportunity to further contribute my quota to sports development in Kwara State and Nigeria at large.
“My doors are open to all stakeholders in all the areas of sports development,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Olarinoye retired from service as Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports’ South-West Zone, after serving in several other important positions.
NAN reports that one of the activities in Olarinoye’s honour was a friendly match which Lubcon FC won 2-0 against Nationwide FC.
Several dignitaries from all walks of life, including sports stakeholders from Kwara, Oyo State and the FCT attended the programme.(NAN)
OOH/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)